Eduard EX1179 - 1:48 F/A-18C Tface

Eduard TFace two-sided mask set for painting the F/A-18C Hornet (Eduard / Kinetic) model in 1:48 scale

The Eduard EX1179 is a TFace mask set tailored to the Eduard / Kinetic F/A-18C Hornet carrier-based aircraft model in 1:48 scale. TFace masks make it possible to mask the canopy both outside and inside, allowing the inner glazing frames to be painted separately in the cockpit interior colour and the outer frames in the aircraft's finish colours.

The pieces are cut from yellow Kabuki masking tape suited to delicate modelling surfaces. The set is designed for airbrush painting.

What's in the box:

• A complete set of self-adhesive canopy masks – outer and inner (TFace)
• Masks for the landing-gear wheels
• Mask placement instructions indicating the side of application

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX1179
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: F/A-18C Hornet by Eduard / Kinetic
• Accessory type: two-sided TFace masks for the canopy glazing and wheels
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking tape

Two-sided TFace masks – painting the glazing from outside and inside

TFace is the variant of Eduard masks designed to mask the canopy from both sides – outside as well as inside. This allows the inner frames of the glazing to be painted independently in the cockpit interior colour and the outer frames in the camouflage colours, giving a realistic effect of the cabin colour visible through the glass.

The set contains a complete set of outer and inner masks together with instructions showing which pieces go on which side, as well as masks for the landing-gear wheels. The masks are cut from low-tack yellow Kabuki masking tape. The recommended method is to apply the masks to clean, dry and degreased glazing and to airbrush; the masks are intended for single use.

About the aircraft – F/A-18C Hornet:

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is an American multirole carrier-based aircraft combining the functions of a fighter and a strike aircraft (hence the F/A designation). The F/A-18C version, which entered service in the late 1980s, was a single-seat development variant that gained the ability to carry more modern guided weapons and improved avionics.

The Hornet was designed to operate from US Navy carriers and from Marine Corps bases. The aircraft earned a reputation for reliability, ease of maintenance and versatility – from air combat, through strike missions, to the suppression of enemy air defences. The F/A-18C took part in operations over Iraq, the Balkans and the Middle East, among others.

The Hornet became one of the most recognisable naval-aviation aircraft of the turn of the 21st century and was also operated by several other countries.

Original aircraft specifications (F/A-18C Hornet):

• Length: approx. 17.1 m
• Wingspan: approx. 11.4 m
• Height: approx. 4.7 m
• Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F404 turbofan engines
• Maximum speed: approx. Mach 1.8 (approx. 1,900 km/h)
• Service ceiling: approx. 15,000 m
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Armament: M61 Vulcan 20 mm rotary cannon; air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and bombs on 9 hardpoints
• Entered service: from the late 1980s

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech model company founded in 1989, based in Obrnice near Most. The brand began with photo-etched parts and is today one of the most recognisable manufacturers of modelling accessories in the world. Eduard's range includes photo-etched sets, Brassin resin parts, painting masks and its own plastic kits in the ProfiPACK and Weekend Edition lines. Eduard masks, cut from yellow Kabuki masking tape, are valued for their precise fit to specific kits and clear placement instructions. The company continually expands its mask catalogue with sets dedicated to the latest kits from various manufacturers.